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Stimulate Run

Stimulate Run

By Stimulate Run

A podcast where we hear from everyday people who manage to fit running in to their normal day, high achievers, those running for a cause and running personalities.
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Currently playing episode

Wayne Spies - The road from Comrades DNF to PB

Stimulate Run Jun 17, 2019

00:00
01:00:58
Johan Botha - in the backyard

Johan Botha - in the backyard

Johan Botha - international cricketer at test and odi level. On this episode we begin by speaking about his cricket career, the experiences and his move into coaching. We also speak about his new sport which is running in particular backyard ultras. Johans goal is to make the Australian team at this years satelite champs.
Mar 28, 202401:11:09
Don Wallace - It’s not for the faint hearted

Don Wallace - It’s not for the faint hearted

Don Wallace is a name not many will know but his history in Australian running is worth noting. Woold 100km rep, Multiple Comrades (including a gold medal), 2:20 marathon and the current course measurer for Sydney and Gold Coast Marathon.

Have a listen to Don retelling some of his experiences in running, his methods for training and also takes us into the world of a course measurer.
Mar 12, 202401:17:48
Road to Comrades 2024 Ep2

Road to Comrades 2024 Ep2

Marnie, Wayne and Irwin and back to recap February. Marnie ticked off her goal of consistent strength training and is on the path to lifting the kms in March. Wayne speaks about his debut 100km race where he won the Australian title and came away positive about starting his Comrades build. Irwin is looking to finishing of the final month of training towards two oceans with some decent back to back long runs.
The panel speak about hill running, what type of elevation people should look at doing and the long run.
Mar 03, 202401:13:36
Road to Comrades 2024 Ep1

Road to Comrades 2024 Ep1

New year, new panel. Welcome to the Road to Comrades 2024 with Marnie, Wayne and Irwin. Marnie and Wayne will be heading to Comrades 2024 and Irwin towards Two Oceans 2024. This series will follow their journeys and an episode will be recorded every month in the lead up. Follow along their journeys on strava and for more info follow the stimulate run social media pages (Instagram and Facebook). Enjoy episode 1.
Feb 04, 202401:03:13
Marnie Ponton - Don't wish it away

Marnie Ponton - Don't wish it away

Marnie Ponton, started her running dreams like most people with a poster of people she aspires to be on the wall. She now holds the Australian 50km female record, balances running with family and work like the everyday person and is gearing up for a big 2024 by locking in Comrades as her goal.
We chat about her journey in running, what type of athlete she is, her interest in knowing why she is doing something and the future. You can find out more about Marnie on Instagram or also on her strava.
Dec 14, 202351:36
Raf Baugh - Respect the discipline

Raf Baugh - Respect the discipline

Raf Baugh is a name well known around running circles. We chat about Raf as a child and his love for sport. He moved into being a world class duathlete, studied physiotherapy and now heads up Front Runner Sports Management.

Raf shares some of the important lessons he has learnt along the way, what has formed his beliefs and what pillars he has built his business and also coaching ethos around.
We touch on it taking time and enjoying that journey. Being comfortable only being concerned about what she are aiming to do and escaping the thoughts of others.
Oct 19, 202347:01
Andrew Leigh - The joy of trying something that you don’t know you can finish

Andrew Leigh - The joy of trying something that you don’t know you can finish

Andrew Leigh, a member of the Australian Federal Labour Party and runner. During my chat, we delve into his pathway into politics and also his journey through running. He speaks about some of his experiences and what he has learnt along the way.
Sep 12, 202330:44
Piet Wiersma - Authentic

Piet Wiersma - Authentic

Piet Wiersmas profile had a meteoric rise from June 2023. It was at this point he took on the defending Comrades champion in the final stages of the Ultimate human race and made Tete really earn the title and record. Piet has since then had many choices to make regarding his future as an athlete and also on his journey towards his thesis. We discuss his background in running, his methods, the challenges a semi professional runner faces and what the near future looks like
Aug 30, 202301:06:24
Nick Bester - The mind will make the body follow

Nick Bester - The mind will make the body follow

Nick Bester or the Yster Man (Iron Man) is a life long endurance athlete. You name it in the endurance world he has done it - Comrades, Triathlon, Dusi Canoe, Argus cycling and much more.
In this chat we speak about his endurance ability, his mental toughness and where it stemmed from. We talk about the change he made to his diet and advice for current day athletes
Aug 24, 202301:19:60
Road to Comrades 2023 - The recap

Road to Comrades 2023 - The recap

From Janaury we have been tracking along the journey of 3 amazing people towards Comrades 2023. On this episode the panel are back to take us through their big day. Caitriona had an amazing day to finish in 5th, Wayne smashed his PB and masters record and Murray as he said got his Bill Rowan. Thank you to all the listeners, supporters and families for their support this year. We all appreciate the kind words, messages and feedback. If you enjoyed the series please leave a review on apple/spotify or where you listen so others can get out of it what you did. Enjoy the downtime and maybe see you all at Comrades 2024.
Jun 25, 202301:49:06
Road to Comrades Ep 5 (pre race)

Road to Comrades Ep 5 (pre race)

The pre race episode for Comrades 2023. Caitriona, Murray and Wayne do their usual month recap and then we take a more in-depth look at the course itself. Murray shares what prep he is making when it comes to preparing to tackle the course on race day. Wayne takes us into the Nedbank camp.
May 27, 202301:06:16
Barry Holland - Plan your race and race your plan

Barry Holland - Plan your race and race your plan

Barry Hollands record in running and particularly comrades and two oceans speaks for itself. Attempting his 49TH consecutive comrades in 2023 he is a wealth of knowledge. We discussed his thoughts on training and how they have changed over the years. We spoke about having realistic goals and how to execute them. He gave course advice. Most importantly he explained planning your race and racing your plan.
May 19, 202301:02:03
Nell Rojas - Be your genuine self

Nell Rojas - Be your genuine self

Nell Rojas is a professional runner born in Boulder Colorado. On this episode we chat about her history in the sport from childhood in Boulder to now as a professional who hopes to qualify for Paris. We discuss experiences (her trip to Kenya), goals and her relationship with her dad who is also her coach. For those who haven’t check out the sweat elite video with Nell and her dad and you will see his true emotion for her running.
May 12, 202301:02:25
Allirra Jennings - A candle doesnt lose its flame by lighting another candle

Allirra Jennings - A candle doesnt lose its flame by lighting another candle

Allirra Jennings greet up and still lives in the Northern Territory of Australia. In this episode she shares her journey in running which started with taking a few steps all the way to completing the 6 world majors. Allirra is the first female t to complete the 6 star. We discuss her heritage and some of the social issues the has come across and currently taking place.
May 07, 202338:42
Road to Comrades Ep 4

Road to Comrades Ep 4

The panel is back for the April episode. Murray is being as consistent as ever, Caitriona has started her Comrades build with a great month and heading to the USA for a race and Wayne tells us about Two Oceans and his time in camp. A listener question to finish about training by time.
Apr 24, 202301:01:25
Road to Comrades 2023 - Episode 3

Road to Comrades 2023 - Episode 3

78 days to Comrades 2023 and the panel are back to tell us about how their last month has gone. Caitriona is balancing work/life and running. Murray is settling in to his new structure and increasing milage and Wayne is preparing for a big month ahead with plenty of excitement.
We tackle a few listener questions about shoes, goals and changing surfaces through the week.
If you have any questions please shoot them through via the social channels. If you enjoy what you are hearing - share it with your running mates, friends or colleagues you like to annoy about running. A review wherever you listen would be great to as it gets in the ears of other like minded people looking for something to enjoy.

Thanks for the support

Irwin, Caitriona, Murray and Wayne
Mar 24, 202301:11:09
Road to Comrades 2023 - Episode 2

Road to Comrades 2023 - Episode 2

Caitriona, Murray and Wayne are back for episode 2. On this episode we discuss the dangers of comparing against what others are doing. We speak about running on effort vs pace. We delve into qualifiers and what chasing a faster qualifier comes with just to save a few minutes at the start or for a better seeding pen. If you are enjoying the series please share it among your running network and also drop a review where you get your pods.
Feb 27, 202301:28:20
Liz McColgan - Celebrate the joy

Liz McColgan - Celebrate the joy

Liz CcColgan has achieved it all. Olympian, Commonwealth Games, world championships, world cross country medalist, triple world major marathon winner and MBE are just part of the long list of achievements for Liz. On this episode we discuss where it all started for her. From her humble upbringing in Scotland, to the university of Alabama which turns out shaped not only her career but her life and then now to Doha. Liz talks about how she always wanted to lift the ceiling and especially against those who said she couldn’t. Liz shares advice for parents with young kids who are showing talent in sport. We discuss her views of the state of running currently and much more. As always if you want to more follow the podcasts social channels on Instagram and Facebook. If you enjoy the podcast please pop in a review wherever you get your pods (Apple, Spotify etc) that would be greatly appreciated.
Feb 22, 202301:00:59
Reece Edwards - No Jargon

Reece Edwards - No Jargon

Reece Edwards started his sporting life as an aspiring hockey player who knew he had a little bit extra when it came to aerobic ability. As he got older he found triathlon and then came the sole focus on running. Reece Shares his journey from 8 hour bike rides which included stops for pie and coke to now being a well credentialed marathoner. Reece most recently won UTA with minimal ultra specific experience or preparation.
Reece is a qualified physiotherapist and shares his learners he has taken from running into his professional life.
Feb 16, 202348:42
Road to Comrades 2023 Ep1

Road to Comrades 2023 Ep1

Welcome to Road to Comrades 2023. On this episode we meet Wayne, Caitriona and Murray who will share their journey towards Durban in June. On this episode we get to meet them and learn more about their running history and what their plans are. We hope you join the rest of the episodes and enjoy them.
Jan 28, 202301:19:08
Grenville Wood - Pure

Grenville Wood - Pure

The name Grenville Wood might not be one at the front of many guesses when we talk about Australian running in the 80s but those in the know it certainly would be. He still the current South Australian marathon record holder. During this chat we share his experiences in running, the risks he took along the way and what are his running pillars as a coach.
Jan 20, 202346:60
Caitriona Jennings - balanced determination

Caitriona Jennings - balanced determination

Irish-born runner Caitriona Jennings first came on to the podcast in 2019. Since then she has continued to tick off achievements notably in 2022 finishing 3rd at the World 100km and 1st at the European 50km.

It was great to go back into her history prior to running and then how she continued to rise in the sport. She represented Ireland at the 2012 Olympics and what many would say might be the pinnacle was actually closer to the beginning. We speak about the highs and lows and how the benefits of hindsight might've changed the way she might've approached things.

We speak about balancing a career in accounting and law works when trying to chase your running goals.

We then finish the chat about what might be to come in 2023.

To listen to our chat from 2019 have a search in the back catalogue. We were also joined by Wayne Spies in that episode.
Dec 13, 202256:24
Brendan Pang - Happy with where I am

Brendan Pang - Happy with where I am

Brendan Pang, started as an architecture student, while sitting as a social working in Broome he decided to enter Masterchef and hasnt looked back. He know has 2 books, a permanent fixture at a local food setting and a range stocked by Woolworths.

Brendan discovered running recently and loves his daily run as an escape from his busy day. He's a high achiever who will be chasing his running goas to match his professional goals.

Find him on instagram and also his website for more information.
Nov 21, 202242:41
Mark Plaatjes - Grateful

Mark Plaatjes - Grateful

Mark Plaatjes was the winner of the 1993 World Champs Marathon. A few would know Mark and his achievements but not many would know his story.
Mark was one of the greatest in his era and amazingly due to the apartheid regime wasn't allowed to show the world. During the episode Mark talks about life during apartheid, being a straight A student but not being allowed to go to University and being cheers for on the weekend but on Monday its back to reality.
Mark speaks about his time at College, life in Boulder back in the times when training with Deek and Steve Jones.
He takes us through the 1993 World champs race and how it played out on the day.

Mark is now a Physical Therapist and owns a running store call In Motion which is based in Boulder.

Oct 27, 202201:25:05
Ash Watson - it means more than what you realise

Ash Watson - it means more than what you realise

Ash Watson is an Australian runner hailing from Ballarat. Ballarat is a town filled with running history with many Olympians and some of The countries best runners either living there or spending time there to train. Ash has a great running resume with a 2:23 marathon, surf coast century ultra champion (current record holder) and two time comrades marathon finisher. On this episode we have a chat about the journey he has had in the sport, his day job and how running impacts that and then we also debrief this years Comrades.
Oct 07, 202259:32
Road to Comrades Ep 45 - Race Recap

Road to Comrades Ep 45 - Race Recap

The post race recap. During this episode the panel are all along to recap their races. Jackie World 100km and the remainder all headed to Comrades 2022. Wayne kicks us off as the fastest finisher, Jackie and Darren let their guards down and show us a side of vulnerability we havent see from the panel yet. We cover a few listener questions.

For those wondering about the man in the arena quote search Theodore Roosevelt.
Sep 25, 202203:41:03
Roger Robinson - Running has an elemental simplicity

Roger Robinson - Running has an elemental simplicity

A scholar with a long list of accolades and a runner with a list of accolades to match. roger Robinson joins me to share his life story and what a story it is. From being a professor at 35 to running a 2:28 marathon as a 50 year old.
Listen to Rogers lessons on literature, language and literacy. How English has evolved and what his thoughts are on the role technology has played.
Roger shares his running history. How he has managed to continue to achieve such great results and how motivation comes from within.
Roger has released a new book and has written previous books too.
Aug 19, 202201:13:30
Road to Comrades Ep 44 - Pre Race

Road to Comrades Ep 44 - Pre Race

We made it. There was times we didnt think we would be sitting 2 weeks out the next Comrades down run. The full crew are here to wrap it all up before they head to race day.
Wayne gives us an insight look to an elite camp. 300km weeks with 8 ultras in 3 weeks. How to the elite runners differ from the social runner it might surprise you.
Jackie is ready for world 100km. The rest of the crew wrap up their final touches.

We break the race into segments to finish and give you the listener an idea of how we want to feel or goals for particular sections.

For those heading to Durban we will do a meet up at some stage so stay tuned to the socials.

Aug 12, 202202:53:41
Road to Comrades Episode 43
Jul 31, 202202:14:47
Road to Comrades Ep 42

Road to Comrades Ep 42

Episode 42 might be the biggest to date. The whole panel had a race to report back on. Sandy and Irwin race Barossa marathon, Jackie smashed her marathon in terrible conditions, Wayne went back to back with victories and Darren perfectly executed his half marathon in preparation for Gold Coast marathon. Novice advice sprinkled throughout the whole episode. Comrades season is well and truly on with 9 weeks until race day. Do the race calculators work? Irwin thinks not for international runners but Jackie debunks that thought.
Jun 28, 202202:21:37
Zoe Buckman - It’s part of the experience

Zoe Buckman - It’s part of the experience

Zoe Buckman is a duel Olympian, world champs and Commonwealth games representative. On this episode she shares her journey but also takes us behind the curtain or the realities of being a professional athlete. A great listen for parents with younger children and also a great listen for adolescents who love their sport.
Jun 26, 202247:54
Carlos Furnari - Was...Is...Going to be

Carlos Furnari - Was...Is...Going to be

Many might not recognise the name Carlos Furnari but you will recognise the brands. You could say he is one of many who puts together what we see from the brands itself and the athletes who represent them.
From Radcliffe to Kipchoge. From Tinman to Strava. Carlos has worked with them all.

How did a guy of an Italian dad and country upbringing do all of this? Well listen in.
May 24, 202201:12:36
Road to Comrades Ep 41

Road to Comrades Ep 41

Episode 41 of The Road to Comrades. As Bruce Fordyce called it May is the new March. Sandy, Darren, Irwin and Jackie go through the month that was. Some good overall approaches to running and races are discussed. We finish the episode with the Help a novice segment.
May 22, 202201:52:08
Longest Road to Comrades Ep 40

Longest Road to Comrades Ep 40

Episode 40 with the full crew. Darren takes us through Canberra Marathon and his PB. Sandy nails her half marathon and the rest of the team are just building the weeks. We also introduce a new segment to help the novices.
May 01, 202201:57:07
Longest Road to Comrades - April Q & A

Longest Road to Comrades - April Q & A

Wayne and Irwin catch up to answer some listener questions which have come in. We hope these help as the preparation for comrades 2022 really starts to get going.
Apr 28, 202201:07:04
Tommy Hughes - Enjoy your journey

Tommy Hughes - Enjoy your journey

When you hear the name you think inspiring. 1992 Olympian gets lost among the accolades Tommy has achieved. He now holds the world record for 60-65 yr olds along with him and his son being the youngest father son marathon times combined. On this episode Tommy shares his journey, learning ad advice for runners.
Apr 11, 202239:24
Jessica Smith - silent ambition
Mar 30, 202201:04:34
Longest Road to Comrades Ep 39

Longest Road to Comrades Ep 39

Ep 39 and we have 3 shiny PBs to talk about. Jackie and Wayne return to tell us all about their recent 50km experience at the Nedbank Runnified event. We also launch our comrade entry refund competition. Email stimulaterun@gmail.com with your story and also like the podcast social pages.
Darren is 3 weeks out from his Marathon, Sandy knows what she has to do and Irwin has had to shift the goal posts but is taking the wins.
Mar 20, 202202:17:52
Erika Lori - Do what you enjoy

Erika Lori - Do what you enjoy

Erika Lori is a physiotherapist in a hospital head injury unit and an ultra runner. On this episode Erika shares her story. Why she runs, what she has experienced and what these experiences have given back to her. Erika recently completed a yoga course and she shares why she did it and how it might impact her running. She shares how her role as a physio inspires her.
Erika is the owner of the Bib track record which is 1000km Albany to Kalamunda. She shares the whole journey from where the idea came from and how it played out.
On her record completion of the 1000km Bib track Erika also raised $4000 for the blue tree project.
Mar 01, 202243:53
Longest Road to Comrades Ep 38

Longest Road to Comrades Ep 38

The first episode of 2022 and maybe and hopefully the true countdown begins. The team are back and update you all with how they have been going over the festive period and early into 2022. We also touch on what our inspiration is/was to run comrades.
Feb 14, 202201:59:40
Meriem Daoui - Be proud of your identity

Meriem Daoui - Be proud of your identity

In this episode Meriem shares how running is a vehicle for her happiness. We speak about her experience moving to Australia as a young muslim immigrant. Having to change schools, an eating disorder and mental health battles have shaped her into being a leader not only in her community but the wider community.
She speaks about how education is key and how she using her running to do so. She shares what running means to her and how she sees this continuing.
Feb 07, 202235:29
Anna Liptak - Surround yourself with good people
Feb 02, 202242:09
Colin Thomas - Create your own destiny

Colin Thomas - Create your own destiny

On this episode I was lucky enough to be joined by Colin Thomas. Born and raised in Scotland to following his dream by chasing knowledge in Iten. On the episode we uncover some of the learnings he has had during his journey as an athlete and a coach. We talk about how simple the Kenyas take their running and if some of the stories we hear are true.
Jan 22, 202248:06
Adam Didyk - Respect and appreciate the responsibility

Adam Didyk - Respect and appreciate the responsibility

Adam is one of Australia’s leading coaches. He is the national distance lead for Athletics Australia and head coach of Team Tempo out of south Australia. Many would know him as the coach of Olympian Jess Stenson.

As you will hear in this episode Adam is a very inspiring person and shares his journey with us.

We discuss the role of the coach and also letting those who are experts provide their knowledge.


From diving straight into coaching, showing that you don’t always know everything and reaching out to mentors.

Dec 20, 202101:17:15
Longest Road to Comrades Ep37

Longest Road to Comrades Ep37

The final episode of the Longest Road to Comrades for 2021. Wayne talks about lactate testing, Sandy is embracing change along with a possible change to her running form, Irwin reflects on his half marathon and also his consult with the dietitian, Jackie nailed her 10km and is looking forward to a big 2022 and Darren speaks about his race at Gold Coast 50. 


The whole panel would like to wish all the listeners a great holiday season. We cant wait to have you all back with us in 2022

Dec 13, 202101:57:13
Coast to Coast Ep 9

Coast to Coast Ep 9

The final episode of 2021. The team give a recap and a insight into 2022. Dawid shares his learnings from his recent half marathon, Guy is banking weeks, Julz bravely shares about the challenging time she is currently facing and Irwin recaps his experience at the recent half marathon.
Dec 06, 202101:19:16
Dean Menzies - Be kind to yourself

Dean Menzies - Be kind to yourself

The words humble, consistent and time for others go a long way to describe Dean Menzies. It was great to have Dean on the podcast to share about himself and then also about his running journey. Plenty of takeaways in this episode that were shared by Dean such as how to fit it all in, how consistency will have its rewards and how not to sweat the small stuff.
Nov 20, 202153:22
Longest Road to Comrades Ep36

Longest Road to Comrades Ep36

The team is back to recap their last few weeks. Darren & Sandy ran Bridge to Brisbane, Wayne was back on the island for a swing at work, Jackie has put her hamstring niggle behind her and Irwin is gearing up for a half marathon in two weeks. ⁣ ⁣ We also discuss what 2022 possibly would look like. How would you plan your year around an August comrades and what impacts comrades has on your year.
Nov 15, 202101:59:38
Longest Road to Comrades Ep 35

Longest Road to Comrades Ep 35

A massive Episode to get through for October. Wayne, Sandy and Darren all recap the Sunshine Coast Running Festival. Jackie shares her DNF experience and what she took away from it. Irwin is just loving his running. We had a great listeners question about how do you approach your paces when returning post event.
Oct 27, 202102:17:58
Coast to Coast Ep 8

Coast to Coast Ep 8

The team is back to recap October. Dawid is back into his training after a refreshing holiday, Guy is chipping away towards consistency, Julz is continuing her consistency and jumping on program from Monday 25th towards the ADU 50km at the end of Jan.
Oct 25, 202101:13:34